The overhaul aims to develop new skills to meet the needs of modern industry. An Apprenticeship Council, to be appointed later this month, will issue a call for proposals for new apprenticeships, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn announced.

COLLINS VERDICT DELAY

THE Special Criminal Court has reserved judgment in the trial of two men accused of the murder of businessman Roy Collins five years ago.

Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley, presiding at the three judge court, said the court would give judgment in the case on July 15 next. Wayne Dundon (36), of Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick and Nathan Killeen (24) of Hyde Road, Prospect, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 35-year-old Roy Collins at Coin Castle Amusements, Roxboro Road Shopping Centre on April 9, 2009.

REDRESS SCHEME

Patient Focus has expressed disappointment at the delay in bringing forward a redress scheme for around 180 mostly elderly women who had a symphysiotomy, a barbaric birth procedure which left them with life-long problems.

A spokeswoman said reports into the practice should be published once a compensation scheme is started. Many of the women involved have sadly died as they awaited the results of these processes and accordingly have never received the closure so much needed for peace of mind, a spokeswoman warned.

STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION

PEOPLE who used a smartphone app to track their daily exercise activity walked up to 2,000 more steps per day than those who didn't, a new study has shown.

Research carried out by a team at NUI Galway showed that participants who used the pedometer app 'Accupedo' recorded 1,000-2,000 steps, or half a mile more per day, than they would without it.

SOLICITOR STRUCK OFF

A SOLICITOR who failed to comply with his professional duties to several clients in relation to property purchases has been struck off for misconduct by the High Court.

John JA Rynne, formerly practising as Rynne Hanrahan and Associates, Limerick Road, Ennis, Co Clare, and also as Hanrahan Rynne Solicitors, Riverside Business Park, Ennis, was found guilty of professional misconduct by a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.